Post: Preventing a crisis before it occurs for my Veteran spouse

Unified team of volunteers Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

My spouse retired from military service in 2024. His active-duty career had seen him through years of combat deployments, duty assignments around the world, physical strains on his body and distance from his family.

But the mental toll of military life and transition is what deeply concerned me.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Veterans under the age of 45, and more than 40% of Veterans say they experience high levels of difficulty when transitioning ( Stop Soldier Suicide ). I wanted to prepare us for the potential mental health challenges and adjustment to civilian life. ( Read the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report ).

I turned to Blue Star Families for guidance. As a trustworthy national nonprofit organization that works to support military connected families where they live and serve, they offer countless programs and opportunities for service members, families, Veterans and civilian supporters. Their Blue Star Support Circles Upstream Solutions to Crisis program was exactly what I was looking for.

Blue Star Support Circles are facilitated, non-clinical cohorts for Veteran and service member supporters.

Family members and friends are best positioned to identify and support a Veteran or service member heading toward crisis as we are the people who see the signs and symptoms firsthand. The free program is designed for anyone who wants to understand suicide and stress due to combat, military life and Veteran challenges. Even better, the program is virtual and confidential to allow participants to engage and ask questions in a safe environment.

I entered my cohort last year with a bit of trepidation and low expectations. I have attended suicide prevention training multiple times and felt like there was no more to learn. I’m happy to say that I was wrong. This program is unlike others and includes: Peer Connection: I felt that I could trust my fellow peers in my cohort and our leader. The virtual sessions […]

Preventing a crisis before it occurs for my Veteran spouse